Call to performing arts Presenters, Producers, Artistic Directors & Cultural Critics worldwide. Opportunity to attend Decibel Performing Arts Showcase in Manchester, UK on September 11-17 2011.

International Connections Programme – Decibel 2011

Visiting Arts is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Decibel Performing Arts Showcase for 2011.

International Connections is a fantastic new programme for performance Presenters, Producers, Artistic Directors and Cultural Critics from around the world to attend the 5th Edition of the Decibel Performing Arts Showcase in the UK.

Passionate and committed individuals can apply for a full bursary to attend this unique biennial showcase of English diverse work and contribute their bright ideas, connections and opportunities to bring the work and debates to an international audience.

What is the opportunity?

This exciting programme provides an opportunity for cultural operators from around the world to attend and immerse themselves in a week of high quality performance and debate at Decibel Performing Arts Showcase 2011.

The programme is designed to support an increase in international discourse on diverse[1] arts in England as well as touring opportunities and broader international networks for those artists. Successful bursary awardees will see a wide range of diverse work, spend time with the artists, engage with the debates and build strong relationships. These individuals will become a catalyst to develop meaningful and fertile links with networks in their own countries and beyond.

There are four types of bursaries available:

•Programmer
•Artistic Director
•Producer
•Cultural/Performing Arts Critic

Decibel PAS takes place from 13 – 16th September 2011 in venues across Manchester, UK. The showcase will feature tour ready extracts, works in progress, pitches and a programme of complementary activity. In addition, and underpinning the critical context for the showcase, the ‘Creative Case for Diversity’ Symposium takes place on 12th September.

We will award up to 10 bursaries, for a 9 day visit to England, offering partial to full subsidy towards the costs of return travel, accommodation, daily travel and expenses.

Who can apply?

We invite applications from programmers/presenters, cultural critics, artistic directors and producers, who are passionate about the performing arts, diversity in the arts and strengthening international connections.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

•Reside outside of England.
•Have a minimum of 5 years professional experience in the arts (Performing Arts or Arts Criticism)
•Ability to attend and fully participate in Decibel PAS and complimentary programmes between 11th – 17th September 2011.
•Have the capacity and resources to share insight about the visit with local and regional networks in their country of residence.
•An understanding of the ACE values around Diversity and genuine interest in diverse work and related discourse. We will ask all applicants to familiarised themselves with the Creative Case for Diversity (see guidelines).

Closing date for applications - 10am GMT Tuesday 26th April 2011.

See the website for all guidelines and application details.